Guest Essay: Sierra Club’s Ben Jealous Urges Community Involvement in Environmental Recovery

On Wednesday morning, the First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Pasadena played host to an important gathering, as civil rights activist and Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous took the stage to speak on the urgent need for community-driven action in environmental recovery. Invited by Pasadena 100’s Director, Cynthia Cannaday, Jealous’ visit underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing environmental issues and building sustainable, resilient communities.

In the heart of the church’s beautiful sanctuary, Reverend Larry Campbell offered opening remarks, setting the tone for a powerful gathering. “Now, more than ever,” Reverend Campbell declared, “we must strengthen our commitment to environmental stewardship.” His words resonated deeply, particularly in light of the challenges posed by climate change and environmental injustice, issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. More than 51 families from his congregation lost their homes in the fire.

Jealous, a longtime advocate for civil rights and the environment, stood before an engaged audience, emphasizing the critical intersection between these two causes. He passionately spoke about the necessity of community involvement in shaping the future of environmental recovery. “Environmental justice is not just about protecting our land and air,” Jealous said, “it’s about ensuring that every community, especially those who have borne the brunt of environmental degradation, has a seat at the table.” It is no accident, he said, that it is often poorer neighborhoods are most negatively impacted by disasters such as the one that our community is experiencing.

Jealous highlighted the work of the Sierra Club in promoting equitable environmental policies, but he stressed that real change happens when local communities take ownership of the issues that affect them most. He spoke of the Sierra Club’s commitment to empowering communities and amplifying voices that are often excluded from environmental conversations.

“Collaboration,” Jealous continued, “is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The challenges we face require all of us to come together—activists, faith leaders, and local residents—to build coalitions that can drive real and lasting change.”

The irony of America’s energy policy today under this new administration is that wind and solar are now the cheapest forms of energy, yet the federal government and fossil fuel-reliant states continue to double down on oil, gas, and coal. In states like West Virginia, where coal mining has historically been the backbone of the economy, one might expect a transition to renewables to be welcomed, especially given the promise of new jobs and long-term economic stability. Instead, the state and federal leadership have amplified drilling efforts, rolling back climate protection in favor of increased fossil fuel production. This is not being done to lower energy costs for Americans, but to sell to a world market Jealous emphasized. This approach ironically raises oil prices domestically.

The push for expanded drilling under the guise of energy independence fails to acknowledge the reality of the global oil economy and the harm that it is doing to our planet. Instead of investing in the cheapest and most sustainable energy sources, policy makers are clinging to an outdated, extracted model that benefits oil companies and foreign buyers more than the American people. While capitalism is the prevailing economic system, said Jealous, it doesn’t have to be predatory. It can be done the “right and long-term” way.

Cynthia Cannaday, who spearheads Pasadena 100—a coalition dedicated to fostering sustainable communities—joined Jealous on stage to emphasize the importance of uniting around common goals. “It’s not just about talking,” Cannaday said, “it’s about taking action. Our mission is to build networks of care and support for each other and our planet. If we want to see meaningful recovery, it starts with the people who are here today.”

As the morning unfolded, attendees reflected on the need for a holistic approach to environmental recovery—one that incorporates social justice, economic equity, and environmental sustainability. The event also highlighted the work being done at the local level to address these issues, with numerous community organizations committed to fostering greener, more resilient neighborhoods.

Jealous’ visit to the First AME Church of Pasadena was a powerful reminder of the critical role that faith communities and grassroots organizations play in driving change. The call for collective action reverberated, reinforcing the belief that everyone has a stake in the health of our planet and our communities.

For those who attended, it was clear that the road to environmental recovery lies not just in policy reform or technological advances, but in the active participation of every individual committed to a more just, sustainable future. As Reverend Campbell aptly put it, “Our stewardship of the Earth is a sacred responsibility. Let us commit to it, together.”

Jealous’ visit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity. Cannaday invited all guests to participate in a vigil tomorrow night in front of Pasadena’s City Hall celebrating the second anniversary of Pasadena’s commitment to becoming 100 percent carbon free by 2030. “We need to amplify our efforts,” she said, “Pasadena is getting closer to our goal, but we need to do more.” She continued, “Pasadena can be a real role model for other communities by committing to, and fulfilling our carbon free goal.”

Pasadena 100’s Vigil for our Community and our Planet will be held at the City Hall on Garfield, January 30th, 6-8 p.m. Wear a warm sweater!!

Suzanne York is a retired teacher from Pasadena Unified School District and a member of the Pasadena Environmental Advisory Commission.